NECF Monthly Prayer Bulletin - November 2011

1. International Day of Prayer

SUNDAY, 13 Nov 2011 is designated as the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the persecuted church worldwide. This global event remembers Christians around the world who suffer for their faith. They face beatings, imprisonment, discrimination and even death. This day is set apart for us to remember these brothers and sisters, simply because they profess Jesus Christ as Lord. Churches are encouraged to develop special programmes for their Sunday services to highlight the persecuted church on this day. For resources, visit the official website at www.idop.org. Links to prayer kits and even children's resources can be obtained through this site. Another website, www.onewiththem.com has free downloadable videos of testimonies by persecuted Christians that churches can use to inspire and move their congregations. What difference can our intercession make? It has been observed that whenever persecuted Christians are asked about what other believers could do for them, their answer is always "pray". They don't asked to be rescued or removed from their situations, because the reward for being persecuted for Christ is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). They ask only that they can endure. As Malaysians, we enjoy freedom of religion to a large extent even if this space appears to be gradually eroding. But on this day, let us remember those who suffer far greater trials for their faith and draw strength from their examples as we lift them up in prayer.

"You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." - Psalm 10: 17

2. Father's Heart Conference

This will be the second Father's Heart Conference with Rev Anton from the Royal Kids, India. It will be held from the 21-22 November, 2011 at GA611BOL Prayer Tabernacle, Section 13 PJ. The purpose of this conference is to raise up Children's Houses of Prayer (C-HOP) in Malaysia. During the first Father's Heart Conference, many parents, children ministry workers and children themselves were blessed and inspired by Rev Anton's message and ministry. The conference saw children being released to lead and intercede for the nation and adults and encompasses a wider vision of what children can be and do. In addition, a number of groups have responded to be part of and to initiate C-HOP. To help conserve and develop what has been started, Rev Anton is once again invited to speak at our coming conference. For more info please visit www.necf.org.my. Do pray for Rev Anton and his team from the Royal Kids who will be ministering. Also pray for sufficient funds to be raised to cover Rev Anton's and teams' travel expenditure as well as sponsorship for participants from the different homes and orphanages. Finally, pray for the Lord to bless all who register and come for this conference.

3. Around The World

Libya

With the fall of Sirte and the death of Gaddafi, Libya was finally declared 'liberated' by the National Transitional Council. With that announcement, the motion is set for an interim government to be formed and the first elections to be held within eight months. The new government will need to restore order and forge unity among the rebels as well as revive the economy. Pray for unity and reconciliation in Libya. Pray for the reconstruction of their infrastructure and restoration of their economy. Pray for a democratic government and a constitution that will safeguard religious freedom for the minority religious groups.

Thailand

Bangkok is facing her worst flood since 1942. While central Bangkok is unaffected, areas north, east and west of the city as well as the central province of Thailand remain underwater. The death toll currently stands at 365 persons. Over 113,000 displaced persons have been moved to various temporal shelters. The floods are expected to incur over US6 billion in economic cost and currently 700,000 persons are out of work. According to forecasts, the flood waters are expected to recede within six weeks to manageable levels. Pray for the flood waters to recede soon. Pray for food and medical aid to reach all the affected areas. Pray for Bangkok's full recovery from this flood.

Turkey

A 7.2 earthquake has struck Eastern Turkey, making it the most powerful earthquake to hit the country in ten years. Tens of thousands fled into the streets running, screaming or trying to reach relatives on cell phones as apartment and office buildings cracked or collapsed. As the full extent of the damage became clear, survivors dug in with shovels or even their bare hands, desperately trying to rescue the trapped and the injured. The hardest hit area was Ercis, an eastern city of 75,000 close to the Iranian border, which lies on one of Turkey's most earthquake-prone zones. Sources say 272 have been confirmed killed and more than 1,300 injured, but officials estimate that the death toll could rise further as a result of low housing standards in the area and the size of the quake. Some 2,400 rescue workers, 680 medics, 12 rescue dogs, 108 ambulances and seven air ambulances are involved in the relief effort. Since the quake struck, tens of thousands have been sleeping outside in freezing conditions. Pray for more survivors to be pulled out of the rubble. Pray for urgent medical aid, food and shelter to reach the thousands that are injured and left homeless. Pray for God's comfort upon the survivors who have lost their loved ones, home and livelihood.